U.S. patent application number 14/992965 was filed with the patent office on 2017-07-13 for portal chamber for entering or exiting a gravity chamber of a habitation module while the gravity chamber rotates.
The applicant listed for this patent is The Boeing Company. Invention is credited to Raju Dharmaraj, James Michael Engle.
Application Number | 20170197734 14/992965 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59275413 |
Filed Date | 2017-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170197734 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dharmaraj; Raju ; et
al. |
July 13, 2017 |
PORTAL CHAMBER FOR ENTERING OR EXITING A GRAVITY CHAMBER OF A
HABITATION MODULE WHILE THE GRAVITY CHAMBER ROTATES
Abstract
A habitation module with a gravity chamber that rotates to
provide an artificial gravity environment. In one embodiment, a
portal chamber is installed adjacent to the gravity chamber and
configured to rotate about the same axis. The portal chamber
includes a brake mechanism to stop the rotation of the portal
chamber, a first access opening for a crew member to pass between
an interior of the habitation module and the portal chamber while
rotation of the portal chamber is stopped, an engagement mechanism
that engages the gravity chamber to rotate the portal chamber about
the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber, and a second access
opening for the crew member to pass between the portal chamber and
the gravity chamber while the portal chamber rotates at the speed
of the gravity chamber.
Inventors: |
Dharmaraj; Raju; (League
City, TX) ; Engle; James Michael; (Pearland,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The Boeing Company |
Chicago |
IL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59275413 |
Appl. No.: |
14/992965 |
Filed: |
January 11, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B64G 1/12 20130101; B64G
1/46 20130101; B64G 1/60 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B64G 1/12 20060101
B64G001/12; B64G 1/60 20060101 B64G001/60 |
Claims
1. A habitation module, comprising: a gravity chamber that rotates
about an axis to simulate a gravitational force within the gravity
chamber; and a portal chamber adjacent to the gravity chamber and
configured to rotate about the axis; the portal chamber includes: a
brake mechanism for stopping the rotation of the portal chamber
about the axis; a first access opening for a crew member to pass
between an interior of the habitation module and the portal chamber
while rotation of the portal chamber is stopped; an engagement
mechanism that engages the gravity chamber to rotate the portal
chamber about the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber; and a
second access opening for the crew member to pass between the
portal chamber and the gravity chamber while the portal chamber
rotates at the speed of the gravity chamber.
2. The habitation module of claim 1 wherein: the engagement
mechanism disengages from the gravity chamber; and the brake
mechanism stops the rotation of the portal chamber.
3. The habitation module of claim 2 wherein: the engagement
mechanism includes an actuator device that applies pressure with a
friction pad to a surface of the gravity chamber to engage the
gravity chamber, and reduces the pressure with the friction pad to
the surface of the gravity chamber to disengage from the gravity
chamber.
4. The habitation module of claim 3 wherein: the actuator device of
the engagement mechanism gradually increases the pressure with the
friction pad to the surface of the gravity chamber to gradually
accelerate rotation of the portal chamber to the speed of the
gravity chamber.
5. The habitation module of claim 1 further comprising: a lock
mechanism that secures the portal chamber to the gravity
chamber.
6. The habitation module of claim 5 wherein: the lock mechanism is
positioned on the portal chamber so that the lock mechanism
interlocks with the gravity chamber when the second access opening
of the portal chamber is directly adjacent to an access opening of
the gravity chamber.
7. The habitation module of claim 6 wherein: the second access
opening of the portal chamber includes a door that opens only when
the lock mechanism is interlocked with the gravity chamber.
8. The habitation module of claim 1 wherein: the portal chamber
includes an inner cylindrical structure and compartments that
extend from the inner cylindrical structure in opposing directions;
wherein an interior of the compartments are hollow to form a
corridor through which crew members are able to move.
9. The habitation module of claim 1 wherein: the gravity chamber is
annular and includes: a first inner cylindrical structure; a first
outer cylindrical wall; and opposing first side walls that connect
the first outer cylindrical wall and the first inner cylindrical
structure.
10. The habitation module of claim 9 wherein: the gravity chamber
is hollow between the first inner cylindrical structure, the first
outer cylindrical wall, and the first side walls; and an inner
surface of the first outer cylindrical wall is lined with a
material for an exercise track.
11. The habitation module of claim 9 wherein: the gravity chamber
includes a plurality of partitions that extend radially from the
first inner cylindrical structure to the first outer cylindrical
wall between the first side walls to define compartments within the
gravity chamber.
12. The habitation module of claim 9 wherein: the portal chamber is
annular and includes: a second inner cylindrical structure; a
second outer cylindrical wall; and opposing second side walls that
connect the second outer cylindrical wall and the second inner
cylindrical structure.
13. The habitation module of claim 12 wherein: the portal chamber
is hollow between the second inner cylindrical structure, the
second outer cylindrical wall, and the second side walls for an
exercise track; and the gravity chamber includes a plurality of
partitions that extend radially from the first inner cylindrical
structure to the first outer cylindrical wall between the first
side walls to define compartments within the gravity chamber.
14. The habitation module of claim 9 wherein: the gravity chamber
includes a divider orthogonal to the axis that divides the gravity
chamber into a first annular sub-chamber and a second annular
sub-chamber; the first annular sub-chamber is hollow between the
first inner cylindrical structure, the first outer cylindrical
wall, and the first side walls for an exercise track; and the
second annular sub-chamber includes a plurality of partitions that
extend radially from the first inner cylindrical structure to the
first outer cylindrical wall between the first side walls to define
compartments within the second annular sub-chamber.
15. The habitation module of claim 1 further comprising: support
bearings for attaching the portal chamber to the habitation module;
wherein the habitation module has a hull that defines an outer
diameter of the habitation module, and a cylindrical core member
encapsulated by the hull that extends through a center of the
habitation module.
16. The habitation module of claim 15 wherein: the support bearings
each include an inner race attached to the cylindrical core member
of the habitation module, and an outer race attached to the portal
chamber.
17. The habitation module of claim 15 wherein: the support bearings
each include an outer race attached to an inner surface of the
hull, and an inner race attached to the portal chamber.
18. The habitation module of claim 15 wherein: the support bearings
each include an inner race attached to an outer surface of the
hull, and an outer race attached to the portal chamber.
19. A method of accessing a gravity chamber of a habitation module,
the method comprising: rotating a gravity chamber about an axis to
simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber; rotating
a portal chamber about the axis adjacent to the gravity chamber;
stopping the rotation of the portal chamber about the axis with a
brake mechanism for a crew member to enter the portal chamber
through a first access opening from an interior of the habitation
module; and engaging the gravity chamber with an engagement
mechanism of the portal chamber to rotate the portal chamber about
the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber for the crew member to
pass through a second access opening of the portal chamber to an
access opening of the gravity chamber.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: locking the portal
chamber to the gravity chamber with a lock mechanism when the
second access opening of the portal chamber is directly adjacent to
the access opening of the gravity chamber.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein engaging the gravity chamber
with the engagement mechanism comprises: applying pressure with a
friction pad to a surface of the gravity chamber to engage the
gravity chamber.
22. A method of exiting a gravity chamber of a habitation module,
the method comprising: rotating a gravity chamber about an axis to
simulate a gravitational force within the gravity chamber; rotating
a portal chamber adjacent to the gravity chamber by engaging the
gravity chamber with an engagement mechanism of the portal chamber
to rotate the portal chamber about the axis at a speed of the
gravity chamber, wherein a crew member is able to pass through an
access opening of the gravity chamber to a first access opening of
the portal chamber while the portal chamber rotates at the speed of
the gravity chamber; disengaging the portal chamber from the
gravity chamber; and stopping the rotation of the portal chamber
about the axis with a brake mechanism to enable the crew member to
exit the portal chamber through a second access opening into an
interior of the habitation module.
23. The method of claim 22 further comprising: locking the portal
chamber to the gravity chamber with a lock mechanism when crew
member passes through the access opening of the gravity chamber to
the first access opening of the portal chamber; and unlocking the
portal chamber from the gravity chamber with the lock mechanism
before disengaging the portal chamber from the gravity chamber.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein disengaging the portal chamber
from the gravity chamber comprises: reducing pressure with a
friction pad to a surface of the gravity chamber to disengage from
the gravity chamber.
Description
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of habitation modules
that provide artificial gravity environments.
BACKGROUND
[0002] When humans occupy a space station, they encounter a
zero-gravity environment or "weightless" environment. Extended
exposure to a zero-gravity environment can be detrimental to the
health of the human occupants, such as muscle and bone
degeneration. To avoid these long-term health effects, artificial
gravity environments may be installed in the space station. One way
to create artificial gravity is with centrifugal force, where a
vessel rotates at a speed that drives a human occupant inside of
the vessel toward the outer hull of the vessel. The force on the
human occupant feels like a gravitational pull. Presently, the
rotating vessel needs to be stopped for a human occupant to enter
or exit the vessel. Stopping the rotation of the vessel can cause
problems for other occupants of the rotating vessel, as the
artificial gravity environment will be lost from the time rotation
is stopped until the vessel again rotates at the desired speed.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments described herein include a habitation module for
a space station that includes a gravity chamber for human
occupancy. The gravity chamber rotates to simulate artificial
gravity within the gravity chamber. The embodiments also describe a
portal chamber for entering or exiting the rotating gravity
chamber. The portal chamber is installed adjacent to the rotating
gravity chamber, and is able to rotate about the same axis as the
gravity chamber. To enter the gravity chamber, the portal chamber
stops rotating to allow a crew member to enter the portal chamber.
The portal chamber then engages the rotating gravity chamber so
that it rotates along with the gravity chamber. While rotating with
the gravity chamber, the crew member is able to pass from the
portal chamber to the gravity chamber. To exit the gravity chamber,
the portal chamber rotates along with the gravity chamber while the
crew member passes from the gravity chamber to the portal chamber.
With the crew member in the portal chamber, the portal chamber
disengages from the rotating gravity chamber and stops rotation.
The crew member may then exit the portal chamber when it is
stopped. The portal chamber is advantageously able to allow crew
members in the habitation module to enter or exit a rotating
gravity chamber without stopping the rotation of the gravity
chamber.
[0004] One embodiment comprises a habitation module that includes a
gravity chamber that rotates about an axis to simulate a
gravitational force within the gravity chamber. The habitation
module further includes a portal chamber adjacent to the gravity
chamber and configured to rotate about the axis. The portal chamber
includes a brake mechanism for stopping the rotation of the portal
chamber about the axis, a first access opening for a crew member to
pass between an interior of the habitation module and the portal
chamber while rotation of the portal chamber is stopped, an
engagement mechanism that engages the gravity chamber to rotate the
portal chamber about the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber,
and a second access opening for the crew member to pass between the
portal chamber and the gravity chamber while the portal chamber
rotates at the speed of the gravity chamber.
[0005] In another embodiment, the engagement mechanism disengages
from the gravity chamber; and the brake mechanism stops the
rotation of the portal chamber.
[0006] In another embodiment, the engagement mechanism includes an
actuator device that applies pressure with a friction pad to a
surface of the gravity chamber to engage the gravity chamber, and
reduces the pressure with the friction pad to the surface of the
gravity chamber to disengage from the gravity chamber.
[0007] In another embodiment, the actuator device of the engagement
mechanism gradually increases the pressure with the friction pad to
the surface of the gravity chamber to gradually accelerate rotation
of the portal chamber to the speed of the gravity chamber
[0008] In another embodiment, the portal chamber further includes a
lock mechanism that secures the portal chamber to the gravity
chamber.
[0009] In another embodiment, the lock mechanism is positioned on
the portal chamber so that the lock mechanism interlocks with the
gravity chamber when the second access opening of the portal
chamber is directly adjacent to an access opening of the gravity
chamber.
[0010] In another embodiment, the second access opening of the
portal chamber includes a door that opens only when the lock
mechanism is interlocked with the gravity chamber.
[0011] In another embodiment, the portal chamber includes an inner
cylindrical structure and compartments that extend from the inner
cylindrical structure in opposing directions. The interior of the
compartments are hollow to form a corridor through which crew
members are able to move.
[0012] In another embodiment, the gravity chamber is annular and
includes an inner cylindrical structure, an outer cylindrical wall,
and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and
the inner cylindrical structure.
[0013] In another embodiment, the gravity chamber is hollow between
the inner cylindrical structure, the outer cylindrical wall, and
the side walls. The inner surface of the outer cylindrical wall is
lined with a material for an exercise track.
[0014] In another embodiment, the gravity chamber includes a
plurality of partitions that extend radially from the inner
cylindrical structure to the outer cylindrical wall between the
side walls to define compartments within the gravity chamber.
[0015] In another embodiment, the portal chamber is annular and
includes an inner cylindrical structure, an outer cylindrical wall,
and opposing side walls that connect the outer cylindrical wall and
the inner cylindrical structure.
[0016] In another embodiment, the portal chamber is hollow between
the inner cylindrical structure, the outer cylindrical wall, and
the side walls for an exercise track. The gravity chamber includes
a plurality of partitions that extend radially from the inner
cylindrical structure to the outer cylindrical wall of the gravity
chamber between the side walls to define compartments within the
gravity chamber.
[0017] In another embodiment, the gravity chamber includes a
divider orthogonal to the axis that divides the gravity chamber
into a first annular sub-chamber and a second annular sub-chamber.
The annular sub-chamber is hollow between the inner cylindrical
structure, the outer cylindrical wall, and the side walls for an
exercise track. The second annular sub-chamber includes a plurality
of partitions that extend radially from the inner cylindrical
structure to the outer cylindrical wall between the side walls to
define compartments within the second annular sub-chamber.
[0018] In another embodiment, the habitation module further
includes support bearings for attaching the portal chamber to the
habitation module. The habitation module has a hull that defines an
outer diameter of the habitation module, and a cylindrical core
member encapsulated by the hull that extends through a center of
the habitation module.
[0019] In another embodiment, the support bearings each include an
inner race attached to the cylindrical core member of the
habitation module, and an outer race attached to the portal
chamber.
[0020] In another embodiment, the support bearings each include an
outer race attached to an inner surface of the hull, and an inner
race attached to the portal chamber.
[0021] In another embodiment, the support bearings each include an
inner race attached to an outer surface of the hull, and an outer
race attached to the portal chamber.
[0022] Another embodiment comprises a method of accessing a gravity
chamber of a habitation module. The method includes rotating a
gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force
within the gravity chamber, and rotating a portal chamber about the
axis adjacent to the gravity chamber. The method includes stopping
the rotation of the portal chamber about the axis with a brake
mechanism for a crew member to enter the portal chamber through a
first access opening from an interior of the habitation module, and
engaging the gravity chamber with an engagement mechanism of the
portal chamber to rotate the portal chamber about the axis at a
speed of the gravity chamber for the crew member to pass through a
second access opening of the portal chamber to an access opening of
the gravity chamber.
[0023] In another embodiment, the method includes locking the
portal chamber to the gravity chamber with a lock mechanism when
the second access opening of the portal chamber is directly
adjacent to the access opening of the gravity chamber.
[0024] In another embodiment, the step of engaging the gravity
chamber with the engagement mechanism comprises applying pressure
with a friction pad to a surface of the gravity chamber to engage
the gravity chamber.
[0025] Another embodiment comprises a method of exiting a gravity
chamber of a habitation module. The method includes rotating a
gravity chamber about an axis to simulate a gravitational force
within the gravity chamber, and rotating a portal chamber adjacent
to the gravity chamber by engaging the gravity chamber with an
engagement mechanism of the portal chamber to rotate the portal
chamber about the axis at a speed of the gravity chamber. A crew
member is able to pass through an access opening of the gravity
chamber to a first access opening of the portal chamber while the
portal chamber rotates at the speed of the gravity chamber. The
method includes disengaging the portal chamber from the gravity
chamber, and stopping the rotation of the portal chamber about the
axis with a brake mechanism to enable the crew member to exit the
portal chamber through a second access opening into an interior of
the habitation module.
[0026] In another embodiment, the method further includes locking
the portal chamber to the gravity chamber with a lock mechanism
when crew member passes through the access opening of the gravity
chamber to the first access opening of the portal chamber, and
unlocking the portal chamber from the gravity chamber with the lock
mechanism before disengaging the portal chamber from the gravity
chamber.
[0027] In another embodiment, the step of disengaging the portal
chamber from the gravity chamber comprises reducing pressure with a
friction pad to a surface of the gravity chamber to disengage from
the gravity chamber.
[0028] The features, functions, and advantages that have been
discussed can be achieved independently in various embodiments or
may be combined in yet other embodiments, further details of which
can be seen with reference to the following description and
drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] Some embodiments of the present invention are now described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. The same reference number represents the same element or
the same type of element on all drawings.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a habitation module in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a portal chamber of a habitation module
in an exemplary embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 3 is a side view of a portal chamber of a habitation
module in an exemplary embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a portal chamber and a
gravity chamber in an exemplary embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method of accessing a
gravity chamber using a portal chamber in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0035] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a crew member accessing a gravity
chamber in an exemplary embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method of exiting a
gravity chamber using a portal chamber in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0037] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a crew member exiting a gravity
chamber in an exemplary embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 11 illustrates a gravity chamber of a habitation module
in an exemplary embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 12 illustrates an interior of a gravity chamber in an
exemplary embodiment.
[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates an interior of a gravity chamber in an
exemplary embodiment.
[0041] FIG. 14 illustrates a gravity chamber split into two or more
annular sub-chambers in an exemplary embodiment.
[0042] FIGS. 15A-B illustrate support bearings for a gravity
chamber and/or a portal chamber in an exemplary embodiment.
[0043] FIG. 16 illustrates support bearings installed on a
cylindrical core member of a habitation module in an exemplary
embodiment.
[0044] FIG. 17 illustrates attachment of a gravity chamber and a
portal chamber to a cylindrical core member of a habitation module
in an exemplary embodiment.
[0045] FIGS. 18A-B illustrate support bearings for a gravity
chamber and/or a portal chamber in an exemplary embodiment.
[0046] FIG. 19 illustrates a gravity chamber and a portal chamber
attached to a hull in an exemplary embodiment.
[0047] FIG. 20 illustrates attachment of a gravity chamber and a
portal chamber to a hull in an exemplary embodiment.
[0048] FIG. 21 illustrates a gravity chamber and a portal chamber
attached to a hull in another exemplary embodiment.
[0049] FIG. 22 illustrates a portal chamber as an exercise chamber
in an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] The figures and the following description illustrate
specific exemplary embodiments. It will be appreciated that those
skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements
that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the
principles described herein and are included within the
contemplated scope of the claims that follow this description.
Furthermore, any examples described herein are intended to aid in
understanding the principles of the disclosure, and are to be
construed as being without limitation. As a result, this disclosure
is not limited to the specific embodiments or examples described
below, but by the claims and their equivalents.
[0051] FIG. 1 illustrates a habitation module 100 in an exemplary
embodiment. Habitation module (HAB) 100 is a module used for living
quarters for crew members of a space station, such as the
International Space Station. For example, HAB 100 may be used for
sleeping quarters, restroom facilities, medical facilities,
exercise facilities, etc. HAB 100 is configured for space vehicles
in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) or Beyond Low-Earth Orbit (BLEO).
[0052] HAB 100 is illustrated as a cylindrical capsule with a hull
102 that encapsulates the modules and systems of HAB 100. Hull 102
is the rigid outer body or fuselage of HAB 100 that defines its
outer diameter, which may be about 8.4 meters. The outer diameter
of HAB 100 may be limited by the size of the launch vehicle used to
transport HAB 100 into space. For example, a Space Launch System
(SLS) from NASA may be used to transport HAB 100 into space, and
the outer diameter of HAB 100 may be constrained by the size of the
SLS. Although not shown in FIG. 1, at least a portion of the
interior of hull 102 may be pressurized and supplied with oxygen.
Either (or both) of the ends 104-105 of hull 102 may be attached to
other modules of a space station. The structure of HAB 100 may also
include a cylindrical core member 106 that extends through a center
of HAB 100. The diameter of cylindrical core member 106 may be
about 4.3 meters.
[0053] In order to provide an artificial gravity environment for
the crew members, HAB 100 is equipped with one or more gravity
chambers 110 that rotate about an axis 130. Gravity chamber 110
rotates at a speed to create an artificial gravity environment by
simulating gravitational forces. For example, gravity chamber 110
may rotate at 8 rpm, 10 rpm, 12 rpm, etc. Gravity chamber 110 may
attach to cylindrical core member 106, outer hull 102, or a
combination of the two to rotate about axis 130.
[0054] HAB 100 is also equipped with a portal chamber 120. Portal
chamber 120 comprises the chamber used to access gravity chamber
110 while gravity chamber 110 is rotating. When gravity chamber 110
rotates (such as in the direction indicated by the arrow), the
rotation creates artificial gravity within gravity chamber 110.
Crew members within gravity chamber 110 are able to eat, sleep,
shower, exercise, etc., in the artificial gravity. If gravity
chamber 110 had to be stopped each time a crew member entered or
exited gravity chamber 110, this would be inconvenient for the
other crew members still residing within gravity chamber 110.
Portal chamber 120 is equipped in HAB 100 so that crew members are
able to enter and exit gravity chamber 110 without having to stop
the rotation of gravity chamber 110 and interrupt the artificial
gravity environment.
[0055] As an overview, portal chamber 120 is able to rotate on the
same axis 130 as gravity chamber 110. Portal chamber 120 is stopped
to allow a crew member to enter portal chamber 120 from an interior
of HAB 100, such as the interior of cylindrical core member 106.
With the crew member in portal chamber 120, a mechanism engages
gravity chamber 110 to begin rotating portal chamber 120 at the
same speed as gravity chamber 110. The crew member may then pass
from portal chamber 120 to gravity chamber 110 without having to
change the rotational speed of gravity chamber 110. To exit gravity
chamber 110, the portal chamber 120 again rotates at the same speed
as gravity chamber 110 while the crew member passes from gravity
chamber 110 to portal chamber 120. The portal chamber 120 is
disengaged from the gravity chamber 110 and begins to slow in
rotation until it stops. The crew member may then exit portal
chamber 120 into the interior of HAB 100. Because portal chamber
120 may be used to transport a crew member from a center of HAB 100
to an outer diameter of gravity chamber 110, portal chamber 120 may
also be referred to as an elevator chamber.
[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates portal chamber 120 of HAB 100 in an
exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, portal chamber 120
includes an inner cylindrical structure 212, and two or more
compartments 202-203 that extend from inner cylindrical structure
212 in opposing directions. Inner cylindrical structure 212 may
comprise a cylindrical wall made from a material, such as a thin
metal, a composite material, a plastic, or another type of rigid
material. Inner cylindrical structure 212 may additionally or
alternatively comprise a frame with surfaces, ribs, support
members, etc., for attaching portal chamber 120 to HAB 100 so that
it may rotate about axis 130. Due to its cylindrical shape, inner
cylindrical structure 212 has an axial hole 240 through its center
that fits over cylindrical core member 106 or over hull 102 of HAB
100.
[0057] Even though the structure may vary, compartment 202 is shown
with a pair of opposing side walls 214-215, opposing end walls
216-217, and an outer wall 218. Outer wall 218 is the outermost
surface of compartment 202. Compartment 203 is shown with a pair of
opposing side walls 224-225, opposing end walls 226-227, and an
outer wall 228. Outer wall 228 is the outermost surface of
compartment 203. Any of the walls for compartments 202-203 may be
made from a rigid material, such as a thin metal, a composite
material, a plastic, etc., may be made from a soft material, such
as Kevlar.RTM., canvas, or another type of fabric, or may be made
from a combination of a rigid material and soft material.
[0058] The interior of compartments 202-203 are largely hollow and
form a corridor through which crew members are able to move. FIG. 3
is a side view of portal chamber 120 in an exemplary embodiment. In
this view, portal chamber 120 includes access openings 302-303,
where a crew member is able to pass between an interior of HAB 100
and portal chamber 120. Portal chamber 120 may include access doors
304-305 that open and close to control the pathway through access
openings 302-303. Portal chamber 120 also includes access openings
306-307 that allow crew members to pass between portal chamber 120
and an access opening of gravity chamber 110. Access openings
306-307 have a size large enough for a crew member to pass through,
and may include a door 308-309 and a mechanism for opening and
closing the door, such as a latch, a zipper, etc. Although not
visible in FIG. 3, each compartment 202-203 may include a safety
harness that crew members may use to secure themselves when located
within compartments 202-203.
[0059] The structure of portal chamber 120 as shown in FIGS. 1-3 is
just an example, and may vary as desired. For example, portal
chamber 120 may be annular in other embodiments much like the shape
of gravity chamber 110.
[0060] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of portal chamber 120 and
gravity chamber 110 in an exemplary embodiment. Gravity chamber 110
includes access openings 406-407. Access openings 406-407 allow
crew members to access the inside of gravity chamber 110. Access
openings 406-407 have a size large enough for a crew member to pass
through, and may include a door and a mechanism for opening and
closing the door, such as a latch, a zipper, etc. Compartment 202
of portal chamber 120 is a substantially hollow corridor for a crew
member to pass between access opening 302 and access opening 306.
Similarly, compartment 203 is a substantially hollow corridor for a
crew member to pass between access opening 303 and access opening
307. Compartments 202-203 may include safety harnesses 430-431 that
are used to secure crew members within compartments 202-203 as
portal chamber 120 rotates.
[0061] Portal chamber 120 includes a brake mechanism 410 that is
configured to stop rotation of portal chamber 120 about axis 130.
Brake mechanism 410 may have any desired configuration that slows
and stops portal chamber 120 so that a crew member may enter or
exit portal chamber 120.
[0062] Portal chamber 120 also includes an engagement mechanism 414
that is configured to catch, grip, or otherwise couple with gravity
chamber 110 or a drive mechanism for gravity chamber 110 to impart
rotation onto portal chamber 120. To allow a crew member to pass
from portal chamber 120 to gravity chamber 110, portal chamber 120
is initially stationary. Engagement mechanism 414 is used to create
a coupling with gravity chamber 110 (which is rotating) so that
portal chamber 120 begins to rotate and accelerate to the
rotationally velocity of gravity chamber 110 so that the rotation
of portal chamber 120 is synchronized with the rotation of gravity
chamber 110. Engagement mechanism 414 is also able to disengage
from gravity chamber 110 so that portal chamber 120 becomes
decoupled from gravity chamber 110. The design of engagement
mechanism 414 may vary as desired. In one example, engagement
mechanism 414 may include an actuator (e.g., a pneumatic device)
that applies pressure with a friction pad against a surface of
gravity chamber 110 to engage gravity chamber 110, and reduces the
pressure with the friction pad against the surface of gravity
chamber 110 to disengage from gravity chamber 110. In another
example, engagement mechanism 414 may include a clutch mechanism
that allows portal chamber 120 to couple with gravity chamber 110
and rotate at the same speed, and decouple from gravity chamber 110
and rotate at a different speed (and stop). Because of engagement
mechanism 414, portal chamber 120 does not need an independent
drive mechanism.
[0063] Portal chamber 120 also includes a lock mechanism 418 that
is configured to lock or secure portal chamber 120 to gravity
chamber 110. Lock mechanism 418 may be engaged to ensure that
portal chamber 120 is safely secured to gravity chamber 110 before
crew members attempt to pass between portal chamber 120 and gravity
chamber 110. The design of lock mechanism 418 may vary as desired.
In one example, lock mechanism 418 comprises one or more
spring-loaded pins that press into corresponding holes on gravity
chamber 110. Lock mechanism 418 may also be used to align access
openings 306-307 on portal chamber 120 with access openings 406-407
on gravity chamber 110. For instance, lock mechanism 418 may be
positioned on portal chamber 120 so that it interlocks with gravity
chamber 110 when an access opening 306-307 of portal chamber 120 is
directly adjacent to an access opening 406-407 of gravity chamber
110.
[0064] FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method 500 of
accessing gravity chamber 110 using portal chamber 120 in an
exemplary embodiment. The steps of method 500 will be described
with reference to HAB 100 in FIG. 1, but those skilled in the art
will appreciate that method 500 may be performed in other systems.
Also, the steps of the flow charts described herein are not all
inclusive and may include other steps not shown, and the steps may
be performed in an alternative order.
[0065] For method 500, gravity chamber 110 rotates about axis 130
to simulate gravitational force within gravity chamber 110 (step
502). Portal chamber 120 may also be rotating about axis 130
adjacent to gravity chamber 110 (step 504). It is assumed that a
crew member in HAB 100 wants to enter gravity chamber 110 through
portal chamber 120. For a crew member to be able to enter portal
chamber 120, the rotation of portal chamber 120 is stopped (step
506). For example, brake mechanism 410 may be used to slow the
rotation of portal chamber 120 until it comes to a complete stop.
While portal chamber 120 is stopped, a crew member is allowed to
enter portal chamber 120 (step 508). For example, the door 305 (see
FIG. 3) for access opening 303 may be locked, and then unlocked
when portal chamber 120 is stopped. Thus, a crew member is able to
open door 305 and enter portal chamber 120.
[0066] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a crew member accessing gravity chamber
110 in an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 6, gravity chamber 110 is
rotating, and portal chamber 120 has been stopped, such as with
brake mechanism 410. With portal chamber 120 stopped, a crew member
602 may pass from the interior 610 of HAB 100, through access
opening 303, and into the interior of compartment 203 within portal
chamber 120 (see also FIG. 4). Crew member 602 may secure
themselves in compartment 203 with safety harness 431. With crew
member 602 properly secured within compartment 203, engagement
mechanism 414 (see FIG. 4) engages or otherwise makes contact with
gravity chamber 110 to rotate portal chamber 120 about axis 130 at
the speed of gravity chamber 110 (step 510 of FIG. 5). Engagement
mechanism 414 may gradually engage gravity chamber 110 so that crew
member 602 is not subjected to a jarring movement. For example,
engagement mechanism 414 may gradually increase the pressure with a
friction pad against the surface of gravity chamber 110 to
gradually accelerate the rotation of portal chamber 120 to match
the speed of gravity chamber 110. Lock mechanism 418 may also
interlock with gravity chamber 110 to ensure that portal chamber
120 is securely coupled to gravity chamber 110 before crew member
602 attempts to travel from portal chamber 120 to gravity chamber
110 (step 512). With portal chamber 120 rotating at the same speed
as gravity chamber 110, crew member 602 is allowed to pass from
portal chamber 120 to gravity chamber 110 (step 514). The door 309
(see FIG. 3) of access opening 307 may be locked until it is
directly adjacent to access opening 407 of gravity chamber 110. The
door 309 of access opening 307 may also be locked and only opens
when lock mechanism 418 is engaged so that crew member 602 can
safely pass from portal chamber 120 to gravity chamber 110.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows crew member 602 passing from portal chamber 120
to gravity chamber 110. When portal chamber 120 is interlocked with
gravity chamber 110, access opening 307 of portal chamber 120 is
adjacent to access opening 407 of gravity chamber 110 so that crew
member 602 may pass through access opening 307 of portal chamber
120 and access opening 407 of gravity chamber 110 to enter the
interior of gravity chamber 110. Crew member 602 will encounter an
artificial gravity environment inside of gravity chamber 110 due to
its rotation. Portal chamber 120 advantageously allows crew member
602 to access gravity chamber 110 without having to stop the
rotation of gravity chamber 110. Therefore, other occupants in
gravity chamber 110 are not bothered by entry of crew member
602.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a method 800 of exiting
gravity chamber 110 using portal chamber 120 in an exemplary
embodiment. For method 800, gravity chamber 110 again is rotating
about axis 130 to simulate gravitational force within gravity
chamber 110 (step 802). It is assumed that a crew member is in
gravity chamber 110, and wants to exit gravity chamber 110 into the
interior of HAB 100. Portal chamber 120 is also rotating about axis
130 adjacent to gravity chamber 110 (step 804). Portal chamber 120
is able to rotate at the same speed as gravity chamber 110 because
engagement mechanism 414 (see FIG. 4) engages or otherwise makes
contact with gravity chamber 110. Lock mechanism 418 may also
interlock with gravity chamber 110 to ensure that portal chamber
120 is securely coupled to gravity chamber 110. With portal chamber
120 rotating at the same speed as gravity chamber 110, crew member
602 is allowed to pass from gravity chamber 110 to portal chamber
120 (step 806). The door 309 of access opening 307 (see FIG. 3) may
be locked until it is directly adjacent to access opening 407 of
gravity chamber 110. The door 309 of access opening 307 may also be
locked until lock mechanism 418 is engaged so that crew member 602
can safely pass from gravity chamber 110 to portal chamber 120.
[0069] FIGS. 9-10 illustrate a crew member exiting gravity chamber
110 in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 shows crew member 602
passing from gravity chamber 110 to portal chamber 120. When portal
chamber 120 is interlocked with gravity chamber 110, access opening
307 of portal chamber 120 is adjacent to access opening 407 of
gravity chamber 110 so that crew member 602 may pass through access
opening 407 of gravity chamber 110 and access opening 307 of portal
chamber 120 to enter the interior of compartment 203. Crew member
602 may secure themselves with safety harness 431.
[0070] With crew member 602 properly secured in portal chamber 120,
portal chamber 120 is disengaged from gravity chamber 110 (step
808). For example, lock mechanism 418 may decouple from gravity
chamber 110, and engagement mechanism 414 may disengage from
gravity chamber 110 so that portal chamber 120 is mechanically
decoupled from gravity chamber 110. The rotation of portal chamber
120 is then stopped (step 810), such as with brake mechanism 410.
The process of disengaging and stopping rotation of portal chamber
120 may be gradual so that crew member 602 is not subjected to a
jarring movement. For example, engagement mechanism 414 may
gradually reduce the pressure with a friction pad against the
surface of gravity chamber 110 to gradually reduce the rotational
speed of portal chamber 120. Brake mechanism 410 may also gradually
engage to slow and stop the rotation of portal chamber 120. While
portal chamber 120 is stopped, crew member 602 is allowed to exit
portal chamber 120 (step 812). For example, the door 305 (see FIG.
3) for access opening 303 may be locked, and then unlocked when
portal chamber 120 is stopped. Thus, crew member 602 is able to
open door 305 and exit portal chamber 120.
[0071] When portal chamber 120 is stopped in FIG. 10, crew member
602 is allowed to pass from the interior of compartment 203 within
portal chamber 120, through access opening 303, and into the
interior 610 of HAB 100 (see also FIG. 4). Portal chamber 120
advantageously allows crew member 602 to exit gravity chamber 110
without having to stop the rotation of gravity chamber 110.
Therefore, other occupants in gravity chamber 110 are not bothered
when a crew member has to exit gravity chamber 110.
[0072] FIG. 11 illustrates gravity chamber 110 in an exemplary
embodiment. Gravity chamber 110 is annular or ring-shaped, and
includes an outer cylindrical wall 1110, an inner cylindrical
structure 1112, and opposing side walls 1114-1115. Outer
cylindrical wall 1110 is the outermost cylindrical surface of
gravity chamber 110. Outer cylindrical wall 1110 may be made from a
thin metal, a composite material, a plastic, or another type of
rigid material. Inner cylindrical structure 1112 may comprise a
cylindrical wall made from a material, such as a thin metal, a
composite material, a plastic, or another type of rigid material.
Inner cylindrical structure 1112 may additionally or alternatively
comprise a frame with surfaces, ribs, support members, etc., for
attaching gravity chamber 110 to HAB 100 (i.e., to hull 102 or
cylindrical core member 106). Due to its cylindrical shape, inner
cylindrical structure 1112 has an axial hole 1118 through its
center that may fit over hull 102 or cylindrical core member 106 of
HAB 100.
[0073] Side walls 1114-1115 extend between outer cylindrical wall
1110 and inner cylindrical structure 1112. Side walls 1114-1115 may
each include a rigid section 1132 and support members 1130 that
provide a rigid frame. Rigid section 1132 may be made from a thin
metal, a composite material, a plastic, or another type of
material, and support members 1130 may be made from aluminum, a
composite material, or another type of material. For example,
support members 1130 may comprise 1 inch aluminum tubes with 0.049
inch walls. The number and placement of support members 1130 is
just an example, and may vary as desired. Side walls 1114-1115 may
also include side closures 1136 that enclose the area between
support members 1130. Side closures 1136 may be made from a soft
material, such as Kevlar.RTM., canvas, or another type of fabric.
Access openings 406-407 may be formed in side closures 1136 to
allow crew members to access the inside of gravity chamber 110.
[0074] FIG. 12 illustrates an interior of gravity chamber 110 in an
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-section along line 12-12
of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, gravity chamber 110 is used for
exercise activities, and therefore, may be referred to as an
exercise chamber. Its interior is hollow or empty between inner
cylindrical structure 1112 and outer cylindrical wall 1110 so that
crew member 602 is able to walk, jog, or run within gravity chamber
110. An inner surface 1202 of outer cylindrical wall 1110 may be
lined with a synthetic rubber material or similar type of material
for an exercise track. Thus, crew member 602 walks, jogs, or runs
on inner surface 1202 as gravity chamber 110 rotates to create an
artificial gravity environment.
[0075] FIG. 13 illustrates an interior of gravity chamber 110 in an
exemplary embodiment. FIG. 13 is also a cross-section along line
12-12 of FIG. 11. In this embodiment, gravity chamber 110 is
compartmentalized into individual rooms. As the rooms of gravity
chamber 110 may be used for rest and other activities, gravity
chamber 110 may be referred to as a Rest and Activities (RAC)
chamber in this embodiment. Gravity chamber 110 includes a
plurality of partitions 1302 that extend radially from inner
cylindrical structure 1112 to outer cylindrical wall 1110 to define
the compartments 1304 within gravity chamber 110. Partitions 1302
may extend fully from inner cylindrical structure 1112 to outer
cylindrical wall 1110 to completely enclose compartments 1304 for
privacy. Compartments 1304 may be used for a variety of purposes,
such as restroom facilities 1309 having a shower 1310, a toilet
1312, and a sink 1314. A compartment 1304 may be used for office
facilities 1320 having a desk 1322, chairs, cabinets, etc. A
compartment 1304 may be used for lounge facilities 1324 having
chairs 1326, a couch, etc. A compartment 1304 may also be used for
sleeping facilities 1328 having a bed 1330.
[0076] FIG. 14 illustrates gravity chamber 110 split into two or
more annular sub-chambers in an exemplary embodiment. In FIG. 14,
gravity chamber 110 includes a divider 1402 that is orthogonal to
axis 130, and divides gravity chamber 110 into annular sub-chambers
1410-1411. Sub-chamber 1410 is an exercise chamber such as shown in
FIG. 12, and therefore, is hollow between inner cylindrical
structure 1112 and outer cylindrical wall 1110. Sub-chamber 1411 is
a RAC chamber, and includes a plurality of partitions that extend
radially from inner cylindrical structure 1112 to outer cylindrical
wall 1110 to define compartments within annular section 1411, such
as shown in FIG. 13. Crew members are able to pass through divider
1402, such as through access openings, so that they can move freely
between the RAC chamber and the exercise chamber.
[0077] In the embodiments described herein, gravity chamber 110 and
portal chamber 120 may attach to HAB 100 in any manner that allows
gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 to rotate about the same
axis. For example, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 may
attach to cylindrical core member 106 of HAB 100 with some type of
attachment members that allow chambers 110 and 120 to rotate about
axis 130. One example of attachment members comprises support
bearings as shown in FIGS. 15A-B. FIGS. 15A-B illustrate support
bearings 1502-1503 for gravity chamber 110 and/or portal chamber
120 in an exemplary embodiment. Support bearings 1502-1503 are
configured to attach gravity chamber 110 or portal chamber 120 to
cylindrical core member 106 so that they are able to rotate in
relation to cylindrical core member 106 about axis 130. Support
bearing 1502 includes an inner race (or ring) 1510, an outer race
(or ring) 1511, and a rolling element between inner race 1510 and
outer race 1511 that enables rotational movement (not visible in
FIG. 15A). The rolling element may comprise ball bearings,
cylindrical rollers, or the like. Inner race 1510 is configured to
attach to cylindrical core member 106, while outer race 1511 is
configured to attach to gravity chamber 110 or portal chamber 120.
Support bearing 1502 also includes a plurality of teeth 1514 on
outer race 1511 for meshing with a drive gear of a drive mechanism.
Support bearing 1503 (see FIG. 15B) has a similar structure as
support bearing 1502 with an inner race 1520 and an outer race
1521, except that its outer race 1521 does not include teeth.
[0078] FIG. 16 illustrates support bearings 1502-1503 installed on
cylindrical core member 106 in an exemplary embodiment. In this
embodiment, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 attach to
cylindrical core member 106 with a pair of support bearings
1502-1503. Support bearings 1502-1503 are spaced axially along and
attach to cylindrical core member 106. The use and placement of
support bearings 1502-1503 for gravity chamber 110 as shown in FIG.
16 is just an example and may vary as desired.
[0079] Cylindrical core member 106 includes mounting members 1602
that protrude from an outer surface 1610 of cylindrical core member
106. Mounting members 1602 may comprise a ring that encircles
cylindrical core member 106, or may comprise a plurality of
individual members that are affixed around the circumference of
outer surface 1610. Support bearings 1502-1503 attach to mounting
members 1602, and also attach to gravity chamber 110 or portal
chamber 120.
[0080] Also shown in FIG. 16 is an example of engagement mechanism
414 and lock mechanism 418. More detailed views of engagement
mechanism 414 and lock mechanism 418 are shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 17
illustrates attachment of gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber
120 to cylindrical core member 106 in an exemplary embodiment. FIG.
17 is a cross-section along line 17-17 of FIG. 16 showing
attachment points. On the left-hand side of gravity chamber 110,
outer race 1511 of a support bearing 1502 attaches to gravity
chamber 110 with an attachment member 1702, such as a bolt, screw,
pin, etc. Outer race 1511 may attach to inner cylindrical structure
1112 or a side wall 1114-1115 of gravity chamber 110. Inner race
1510 of support bearing 1502 attaches to mounting member 1602 with
an attachment member 1702. Bushings 1704 (e.g., rubber bushings)
may be used at the attachment point for outer race 1511 and inner
race 1510 to absorb noise and/or vibration at the attachment point.
Also shown in FIG. 17 is a rolling element 1710 between inner race
1510 and outer race 1511 that enables rotational movement. Rolling
element 1710 may comprise ball bearings, cylindrical rollers, or
the like. A drive mechanism 1720 is placed proximate or adjacent to
outer race 1511 of support bearing 1502 to directly drive support
bearing 1502. Drive mechanism 1720 is configured to spin a drive
gear 1722 to impart rotational movement to outer race 1511. Teeth
1724 on drive gear 1722 mesh with teeth 1514 on outer race 1511
(see FIG. 15A). When drive mechanism 1720 turns drive gear 1722, it
imparts rotational movement on gravity chamber 110 about axis 130
(see FIG. 1). Drive mechanism 1720 may comprise an electric motor,
a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other actuating device
that has a variable rotational speed.
[0081] On the right-hand side of gravity chamber 110, outer race
1521 of a support bearing 1503 attaches to gravity chamber 110 with
an attachment member 1702. Inner race 1520 of support bearing 1503
attaches to mounting member 1602 with an attachment member 1702.
Bushings 1704 (e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment
point for outer race 1521 and inner race 1520 to absorb noise
and/or vibration at the attachment point. Also shown in FIG. 17 is
a rolling element 1710 between inner race 1520 and outer race 1521
that enables rotational movement.
[0082] On the left-hand side of portal chamber 120, outer race 1521
of a support bearing 1503 attaches to portal chamber 120 with an
attachment member 1702. Outer race 1521 may attach to inner
cylindrical structure 212 or a side wall 214-215, 224-225 of portal
chamber 120. Inner race 1520 of support bearing 1503 attaches to
mounting member 1602 with an attachment member 1702. Bushings 1704
(e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment point for
outer race 1521 and inner race 1520 to absorb noise and/or
vibration at the attachment point. Also shown in FIG. 17 is a
rolling element 1710 between inner race 1520 and outer race 1521
that enables rotational movement.
[0083] On the right-hand side of portal chamber 120, outer race
1521 of a support bearing 1503 attaches to portal chamber 120 with
an attachment member 1702. Inner race 1520 of support bearing 1503
attaches to mounting member 1602 with an attachment member 1702.
Bushings 1704 (e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment
point for outer race 1511 and inner race 1510 to absorb noise
and/or vibration at the attachment point. Also shown in FIG. 17 is
a rolling element 1710 between inner race 1520 and outer race 1521
that enables rotational movement.
[0084] FIG. 17 also shows an example of an engagement mechanism 414
of portal chamber 120. Engagement mechanism 414 includes an
actuator device 1730 that is able to extend and retract a friction
pad 1732. Actuator device 1730 may apply pressure with friction pad
1732 to a surface 1736 of gravity chamber 110 to engage gravity
chamber 110. Actuator device 1730 may also reduce the pressure with
friction pad 1732 to the surface 1736 of gravity chamber 110 to
disengage from gravity chamber 110. Actuator device 1730 may
gradually increase the pressure with friction pad 1732 to the
surface 1736 of gravity chamber 110 to gradually accelerate
rotation of portal chamber 120 to the speed of gravity chamber 110.
Thus, portal chamber 120 will not have an extreme jolting action
when engaging with gravity chamber 110. Also, actuator device 1730
may gradually decrease the pressure with friction pad 1732 to the
surface 1736 of gravity chamber 110 to gradually decelerate
rotation of portal chamber 120.
[0085] FIG. 17 also shows an example of lock mechanism 418 of
portal chamber 120. Lock mechanism 418 includes an actuator device
1740 that is able to extend and retract a pin 1742. When extended,
pin 1742 catches or presses into a corresponding hole 1746 in a
structure 1744 of gravity chamber 110. Thus, portal chamber 120 is
securely coupled to gravity chamber 110 when pin 1742 is pressed
into hole 1746.
[0086] FIG. 17 also shows an example of a brake mechanism 410 of
portal chamber 120. Brake mechanism 410 includes one or more
actuator devices 1750 that are able to extend and retract a
friction pad 1752. Actuator device 1750 may apply pressure with
friction pad 1752 to a stationary surface, such as a surface of
mounting member 1602, to apply the brake and stop rotation of
portal chamber 120. Actuator device 1750 may also reduce the
pressure with friction pad 1752 to release the brake.
[0087] In the embodiments described above, gravity chamber 110 and
portal chamber 120 were attached to cylindrical core member 106 of
HAB 100. However, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 may
attach to different points of HAB 100 to rotate about axis 130. In
another embodiment, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 may
attached to an inner surface of hull 102, which is illustrated in
FIGS. 18A, 18B, 19, and 20. FIGS. 18A-B illustrate support bearings
1802-1803 for gravity chamber 110 in an exemplary embodiment.
Support bearings 1802-1803 are configured to attach gravity chamber
110 to hull 102 so that gravity chamber 110 is able to rotate in
relation to hull 102 about axis 130. Support bearing 1802 includes
an inner race (or ring) 1810, an outer race (or ring) 1811, and a
rolling element between inner race 1810 and outer race 1811 that
enables rotational movement (not visible in FIG. 18A). The rolling
element may comprise ball bearings, cylindrical rollers, or the
like. Outer race 1811 is configured to attach to hull 102, while
inner race 1810 is configured to attach to gravity chamber 110.
Support bearing 1802 also includes a plurality of teeth 1814 on
inner race 1810 for meshing with a drive gear of a drive mechanism.
Support bearing 1803 (see FIG. 18B) has a similar structure as
support bearing 1802 with an inner race 1820 and an outer race
1821, except that its inner race 1820 does not include teeth.
[0088] FIG. 19 illustrates gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber
120 attached to hull 102 in an exemplary embodiment. In this
embodiment, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 attach to an
inner surface 1910 of hull. Mounting members 1902 protrude from the
inner surface 1910 of hull 102. Mounting members 1902 may comprise
a ring that extends around the inner surface 1910 of hull 102, or
may comprise a plurality of individual members that are affixed
around the inner surface 1910 of hull 102. Support bearings
1802-1803 attach to mounting members 1902, and also attach to
gravity chamber 110 or portal chamber 120.
[0089] FIG. 20 illustrates attachment of gravity chamber 110 and
portal chamber 120 to hull 102 in an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 20
is a cross-section along line 20-20 of FIG. 19 showing attachment
points. On the left-hand side of gravity chamber 110, inner race
1810 of a support bearing 1802 attaches to gravity chamber 110 with
an attachment member 2002, such as a bolt, screw, pin, etc. Inner
race 1810 may attach to inner cylindrical structure 1112 or a side
wall 1114-1115 of gravity chamber 110. Outer race 1811 of support
bearing 1802 attaches to mounting member 1902 with an attachment
member 2002. Bushings 2004 (e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at
the attachment point for outer race 1811 and inner race 1810 to
absorb noise and/or vibration at the attachment point. Also shown
in FIG. 20 is a rolling element 2010 between inner race 1810 and
outer race 1811 that enables rotational movement. Rolling element
2010 may comprise ball bearings, cylindrical rollers, or the like.
A drive mechanism 2020 is placed proximate or adjacent to inner
race 1810 of support bearing 1802 to directly drive support bearing
1802. Drive mechanism 2020 is configured to spin a drive gear 2022
to impart rotational movement to inner race 1810. Teeth 2024 on
drive gear 2022 mesh with teeth 1814 on inner race 1810 (see FIG.
18A). When drive mechanism 2020 turns drive gear 2022, it imparts
rotational movement on gravity chamber 110 about axis 130 (see FIG.
1). Drive mechanism 2020 may comprise an electric motor, a
hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor, or any other actuating device
that has a variable rotational speed.
[0090] On the right-hand side of gravity chamber 110, inner race
1820 of a support bearing 1803 attaches to gravity chamber 110 with
an attachment member 2002. Outer race 1821 of support bearing 1803
attaches to mounting member 1902 with an attachment member 2002.
Bushings 2004 (e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment
point for outer race 1821 and inner race 1820 to absorb noise
and/or vibration at the attachment point.
[0091] On the left-hand side of portal chamber 120, inner race 1820
of a support bearing 1803 attaches to portal chamber 120 with an
attachment member 2002. Inner race 1820 may attach to inner
cylindrical structure 212 or a side wall 214-215, 224-225 of portal
chamber 120. Outer race 1821 of support bearing 1803 attaches to
mounting member 1902 with an attachment member 2002. Bushings 2004
(e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment point for
outer race 1821 and inner race 1820 to absorb noise and/or
vibration at the attachment point.
[0092] On the right-hand side of portal chamber 120, inner race
1820 of a support bearing 1803 attaches to portal chamber 120 with
an attachment member 2002. Outer race 1821 of support bearing 1803
attaches to mounting member 1902 with an attachment member 2002.
Bushings 2004 (e.g., rubber bushings) may be used at the attachment
point for outer race 1811 and inner race 1810 to absorb noise
and/or vibration at the attachment point.
[0093] FIG. 20 also shows an example of an engagement mechanism
414, lock mechanism 418, and a brake mechanism 410 similar to FIG.
17.
[0094] FIG. 21 illustrates gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber
120 attached to hull 102 in another exemplary embodiment. In this
embodiment, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 attach to an
outer surface 2110 of hull. Mounting members 2102 protrude from the
outer surface 2110 of hull 102. Mounting members 2102 may comprise
a ring that extends around the outer surface 2110 of hull 102, or
may comprise a plurality of individual members that are affixed
around the outer surface 1910 2110 of hull 102. Support bearings
1502-1503 as shown in FIGS. 15A-15B may be used to attach gravity
chamber 110 or portal chamber 120 to mounting members 2102.
[0095] Gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 are encompassed
or enclosed by a canopy or shell 120. Shell 2120 may be made from a
rigid material, such as a composite, metal, etc. Shell 2120 is
sealed around a circumference of hull 102 (as shown in FIG. 1) on
opposing sides of gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 to
encompass gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 in an airtight
cavity. The interior of shell 2120 may be pressurized much like the
interior of hull 102. The outer dimension of shell 2120 is larger
than the outer diameter of hull 102. Therefore, the fairing of a
launch vehicle may need to be altered in order to transport HAB 100
into space.
[0096] In the above embodiments, gravity chamber 110 and portal
chamber 120 are shown as being attached to the same portion of HAB
100. For example, FIG. 16 shows both gravity chamber 110 and portal
chamber 120 attached to cylindrical core member 106, FIG. 19 shows
both gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 attached to the
inner surface 1910 of hull 102, and FIG. 21 shows both gravity
chamber 110 and portal chamber 120 attached to the outer surface
2110 of hull 102. However, gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber
120 may have different attachment points to HAB 100. For example,
gravity chamber 110 may be attached to cylindrical core member 106
while portal chamber 120 is attached to the inner surface 1910 of
hull 102. In another example, gravity chamber 110 may be attached
to the inner surface 1910 of hull 102 while portal chamber 120 is
attached to the cylindrical core member 106.
[0097] As stated above, portal chamber 120 may have a variety of
structures. In another embodiment, portal chamber 120 may have a
structure similar to an exercise chamber as shown in FIG. 12. FIG.
22 illustrates portal chamber 120 as an exercise chamber in an
exemplary embodiment. In this example, portal chamber 120 includes
an outer cylindrical wall 2210 and inner cylindrical structure
2212. Portal chamber 120 is largely hollow between outer
cylindrical wall 2210 and inner cylindrical structure 2212 for an
exercise track (see also, FIG. 12). Portal chamber 120 includes
access openings 2202-2203, where a crew member is able to pass
between an interior of HAB 100 and portal chamber 120. Portal
chamber 120 may include access doors 2204-2205 that open and close
to control the pathway through access openings 2202-2203. Portal
chamber 120 also includes access openings 2206-2207 that allow crew
members to pass between portal chamber 120 and an access opening of
gravity chamber 110. Access openings 2206-2207 have a size large
enough for a crew member to pass through, and may include a door
2208-2209 and a mechanism for opening and closing the door, such as
a latch, a zipper, etc.
[0098] In this embodiment, the exercise chamber shown in FIG. 22 is
used as portal chamber 120, and gravity chamber 110 is used as the
RAC chamber. The RAC chamber can remain rotating so that occupants
can experience an uninterrupted artificial gravity environment. If
a crew member wants to enter the RAC chamber, they would use the
exercise chamber as the portal. For instance, rotation of the
exercise chamber is stopped so that the crew member may enter the
exercise chamber. The exercise chamber then engages the RAC chamber
to synchronize rotation of the exercise chamber with the RAC
chamber. With the exercise chamber rotating at the same speed as
the RAC chamber, the crew member may pass from the exercise chamber
to the RAC chamber.
[0099] The rotation of gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120
may create an unwanted momentum. To cancel out the unwanted
momentum, a cylindrical counter-weight member may be installed on
HAB 100 (see FIG. 1) that rotates about axis 130 in an opposite
direction than gravity chamber 110 and portal chamber 120. The
structure and use of the counter-weight member is beyond the scope
of this disclosure.
[0100] Although specific embodiments were described herein, the
scope is not limited to those specific embodiments. Rather, the
scope is defined by the following claims and any equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *